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March 19, 2020 To our Eastgate Manor Residents, Families and Friends, We at Eastgate are taking every measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition to screening all staff and medical personnel, we will continue to restrict visitors unless it’s absolutely needed. Beginning on Tuesday March 17, 2020, we temporarily closed our Dining Room, Bistro, Lower Level Activity Rooms and Lobby. We will keep these areas closed until March 25th – or a date to be determined – and update everyone if we are able to reopen the areas. Residents will still be able to get their mail…

March 11, 2020 To: Residents, Family Members, and Visitors From: Jason Benedict – Executive Director Re: Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) With updated recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health, American Health Care Association and the CDC, as well as keeping in mind the well-being of our residents, families and team members, we are cancelling all transportation with the exception of doctor appointments. This includes scheduled outings, shopping trips, and church until further notice. We are cancelling all marketing events until further notice. Lexington Health Care Center and many others are also closed to all visitors at this time. We…

Like most things in life, there are two sides to the coin when it comes to elderly drivers. On the one hand, these are people that have spent the overwhelming majority of their lives behind the wheel of a vehicle, so the idea of giving up that freedom and independence is likely very stressful for them, even if it very clearly is a conversation that needs to happen as their health and driving abilities decline. And that’s the other side of the coin—however accustomed to driving an elderly parent may be, at some point it’s the job of the child…

As a veteran, there are tools and benefits in place to help cover the cost of assisted living. We’ve laid out some of the basics below to help navigate those tools and benefits. However, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your local VA office for more information. Aid & Attendance Specifically, it’s the Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefit that you’ll want to look into. Before we get into some of the different aspects of the A&A, let’s go over the initial factors required for eligibility. Eligibility Requirements This benefit is available to a veteran or their spouse. The benefit…

No one has to tell you how beneficial it is to stay physically active as you get older. But have you given any thought to the benefits of social connections for seniors? Well, according to researchers, active seniors are much healthier, on many levels, than their peers who are isolated and socially inactive.   Why Is Social Health Important? Research has revealed that seniors with busy social calendars and a network of friends and family enjoy five major health benefits: Slower rate of decline / decreased medical issues. The Center for Advancing Health reported on research findings that showed older adults…

Our parents care for and rear us from the time we are born and throughout our childhood and into young adulthood. Even as we go through our adult years, they can be amazing sources of wisdom, guidance, and assistance. It’s no wonder that as our parents reach retirement age and their abilities change, it can be disconcerting to notice how the roles begin to shift. At a certain point, as our mother’s and father’s physical and mental abilities lose their sharpness, we transition to being caregivers and must begin helping them make decisions regarding their day-to-day lifestyle. Making the right decision regarding…

When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. As a caregiver, you’re the “healthy one,” which can lead you—and those around you—to take your health for granted. But caregiver overload is a serious concern, with very real repercussions. It’s important to recognize the signs and take the steps you need to stay healthy. Be on the lookout for the following red flags, which can clue you into the fact that it may be time to slow down or ask for some help. Isolation We all have days when we’re too tired to…

While opportunities abound during senior years, so do health concerns. Chief among those for many people are concerns related to cardiac health. Read on to learn about some nutrients and foods that will help keep your ticker in tip-top shape. If it seems daunting to keep up with dietary guidelines for heart health, remember that one of the many benefits provided in a senior living community is the preparation of meals crafted with residents’ health in mind. Foods Rich in Potassium Foods to Eat: Bananas, Prunes, Potatoes with Skin If you look at what’s included in just about any multivitamin,…

You’ve assumed the role of primary caregiver for your senior parent. Over time, you’ve come to realize that life as a caregiver is a full-time job with as many rewards as responsibilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • More than 34 million unpaid caregivers provide care to someone age 18 and older who is ill or has a disability. • Caregivers report having difficulty finding time for one’s self (35 percent), managing emotional and physical stress (29 percent), and balancing work and family responsibilities (29  percent). • Caregivers said they do not go to the doctor because…